Dreadnaught Imperial IPA

March 1, 2004Munster, IN

Reviewers: Charles Finkel

Three Floyds Brewing Co.
Munster, IN

Available: IN, IL, MD, OH, VA, PA

Originally, India pale ales were brewed with higher alcohol and hopping rates to last the long journey from Britain to India. So-called “double” or “Imperial” IPAs are an emerging style from American breweries, even bigger in alcohol and bitterness. Dreadnaught is brewed with English and American malts and hopped with a combination of American aroma hops, Centennial being the standout.

“It’s not normal,” says the psychedelic label. Who could argue with the three Floyds? Normal or not, their Dreadnaught is delightful, with a buxom deep amber color, contrasting head and a nose that would make Pinocchio jealous. The mouthfeel is sensual, big and erotic, with an extraordinary malt/hop balance of whiskey-laced fruitcake. With all that flavor, the Floyd’s finishes with finesse. Excellent with lusty foods such as osso buco, Oklahoma barbeque, or a big raw milk cheese like Pont l’Eveque.- Charles Finkel

WOWWWWW! Hops in the aroma. Hops in the flavor and Hops in my head! I am in the September fields of Yakima! This is not a beer. It is an experience! If you like hops, you must seek this beer. Full flavored, full strength, full of hops and enchanting dreams. A palate-pleaser for hopheads. This is not a beer for wusses. Excuse me while I swallow.- Charlie Papazian

Finest “new age” IPA I have tasted for some time. Pale copper color, with a superb aroma of sappy malt, hop resins and bitter orange fruit on the nose. Tart and intensely bitter hops dominate the palate, balanced by juicy malt and citrus fruit. Fruit, malt and hops combine in a long finish that becomes increasingly bitter with a quinine-like note. Superb with meats, roasted vegetables or blue cheese.- Roger Protz

Charles FinkelFounder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co., Charles Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of craft beers in America.

Charlie PapazianAuthor of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and a Beer Examiner at www.examiner.com, Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

Roger ProtzRoger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.